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I am often asked when did I get to where I am with respect to acceptance of the accident or how do I constantly manage to make light of challenging situations with dark humor even when things are constantly thrown my way as anyone who is disabled can relate to?

What makes me “amazing” and so different from other women is precisely because of my disability and life experiences surrounding it. It’s made me compassionate and empathetic, strong and self-confident, determined and passionate, straight-forward and level-headed. It’s what made me impervious to the intensity of our relationship and subsequent break-up.

The performance of my arrangement of Here Comes the Sun continues my torrid output of creating and sharing one video per year. But this is by design. It allows just enough time for people to completely forget that I can play guitar, sing and (sometimes) write songs. Or maybe even play a kazoo. They are then astounded to discover that I possess any semblance of musical ability whatsoever.

Have you ever experienced attending a conference or large meeting where the carpet is thick for what feels like miles on end to a manual chair user? This can actually cause arm injury and feelings of frustration and overwhelming anxiety.

While this may not be the most upbeat blog I have written, I find it extremely important to explore all aspects of life with Spinal Cord Injury. The funny, the sad, the sexual, the depressing, and above all the raw, honest truth.

It may sound counterintuitive, but a 2,000-pound animal can help you heal – spiritually, mentally, and physically. Referred to as “equine assisted therapy,” “hippotherapy,” “therapeutic riding,” or just plain “horse therapy,” the modality has been practiced since 1946.

“I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of American disability rights activists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s who protested, chained themselves to buses, camped out in government buildings for days and were willing to get arrested. I used to say I couldn’t imagine life without them, but now I can to an extent because I’ve lived abroad.”

Swimming is so incredible for the body, especially when paralyzed because it takes the weight, the aches, and the pains away as you float. It is great for movement of the spine, energy for the soul, for anxiety, and just generally to have a lot of fun getting out of the chair.